Volvo Ardic heater making sooty deposits on the boat

[Tarka1]

seem to have a problem with our boat heater (v similar to an eberspacher) in that when we run it the boat gets covered in little specks of black soot. I've cleaned the glow plug, ran it on parafin (runs hotter so thought it may clean out the system) but still have the problem with soot. Really annoying as the boat is all polished up ready for launching on Saturday!
Any ideas on how to cure this would be appreciated.

 

[FlorealIII]

I think you have a leak in the combustion chamber and the gas of the burner mixes with the air flow . These heat exchangers ( combustion chambers ) can be replaced . You can take it out to check . Most probably a crack or fissure near a welding place !

 

[Tarka1]

Just to clarify - the soot is coming out of the heater exhaust. Would a leak in the combustion chamber cause this?
I've tried Googling for a service manual but not had any luck so any info about this would also be appreciated.

 

[swampthing]

No, a leak in combustion chamber wouldnt cause this.Sounds like theres too much fuel being delivered or not nuff air

 

[FlorealIII]

On eberspächer the fuel pump has two speeds , if this is also the case with you try slow speed maybe then the sooting stops if not there must be an obstruction in the combustion air duct , maybe the entrance valve is not fully open .

 

[FlorealIII]

this entrance valve can very easily be removed and then try again with no valve !

 

[Tarka1]

The fuel pump is variable speed to match the heat settings.
I will check the air intake but I think it is clear.

 

[MoodySabre]

Hi Tarka
I've got an installation manual that includes a diagram and rudimentary service stuff. PM me your email if you would like a copy.

Earlier thread
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/pbo/Number/618300/an/0/page/2/view/collapsed/

 

[Tarka1]

Thanks Moodysabre - I've already got one of those, very basic compared to the Eberspacher one I had on the last boat!